Welcome to Cruise Critic Live! We're pleased to introduce you to Joost Ouendag, Viking River Cruises' destination expert, as we talk today about river cruise regions and itineraries. Joost is chatting with Cruise Critic's Carolyn Spencer Brown, and they're live from Viking Forseti, docked in Bordeaux. We're focused on rivers for this Cruise Critic Live! (if time permits we'll also tackle other topics). Please join in -- and don't hesitate to offer your own insights and experiences.

Will be coming on the Rhine Getaway from Amsterdam to Basil on April 11. Looks like we need to be at the airport for a 6:50am flight home to the US. the last day. That sounds pretty early to have to depart.

Question from our forum: With the rapid growth of river cruising and the introduction of new ships, is there any concern with growing congestion on the waterways and the ports. How is the rapid growth being managed to negate river/port congestion.

several river cruise lines make the following disclaimer "in the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motor coach. what is the percentage of incidents? is one cruise line more prone to it? would the month of travel reduce the incidence?

Just wishing Viking congrats on the new longships on the river Porto. Did the river last October....great experience. The Douro crew was excellent....guess you are now splitting the gang and adding. The crew we had was terrific...best wishes for a great spring